Mum inspired to give back after cancer scare

A Cavan beauty entrepreneur, who suffered a cancer scare last year and has lost loved ones to the disease in the past, will donate 10 per cent of all sales made this coming ‘Green Friday’ to the Irish Cancer Society.

In November last year, Kasia O’Reilly from Ballyjamesduff feared the worst, after a doctor recommended she go for a scan to check if she had developed ovarian cancer.

Thankfully for Kasia, who is the face behind the eco-friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free Irish skin care products range, Sana Naturals, the ultrasound returned all clear.

Through her deep relief, Kasia and her husband David decided the time was right to add to their family of three.

It was, Polish-native Kasia tells The Anglo-Celt, a “life-changing moment” in more ways than one.

“I was told after that, if ever there was a good time to conceive a baby, that was it,” says Kasia, who along with her husband welcomed little Elena into the world last August.

“I did not plan to have another baby. We have a boy of five-years-old [Leon], and were thinking that was it, but it’s funny what happens in life. We are so, so happy.”

The poignancy of her decision really hit home, as during her pregnancy, Kasia met a number of young women, some of whom were not so lucky with their cancer scan, including those who have sadly passed away since then.

“Younger than me as well, suffering with cancer, and some have died. It’s very sad,” she said.

Sadly, like many families have, Kasia’s has suffered loss through cancer before.

All four of Kasia’s grandparents died of cancer, while her brother has recently been given the all clear after his own five-year battle against illness.

“It just totally changed my perspective on life. Some days I wake up and I think to myself, ‘my God I’m so lucky’.”

She acknowledges that, when a loved-one develops cancer, it’s not just the person carrying the illness it effects. The burden is shared.

“There is a lot of fear. One in two at some stage in our lives will develop cancer. You can live your life, do everything right, but still get cancer. It’s very frightening.”

As a result, Kasia believes strongly that “life is precious” and is something that must be cherished.

That and body wellness are key pillars of Kasia’s own business, Sana Naturals.

The Sana Naturals brand is also very much focused on sustainability and well-being.

Kasia is passionate about promoting the ethos of conscious buying, choosing products that are Irish, as local as possible, and have minimal impact to the planet and its inhabitants.

Instead of passing on a discount to her customers this coming ‘Green Friday’ weekend, Kasia will instead donate 10% from all online sales between November 27-30 to help fight cancer.

“I realise how absolutely lucky I am having both her [baby Elena] and my health, a double win,” notes Kasia.

“I would love to help those who are less fortunate with their health, and I think the work that the Irish Cancer Society does is incredible.”

She adds: “When we buy wisely, consciously choosing such products, I believe we reconnect to the earth and make the world a better place to live for generations to come.”